US fraudster channels the ghost of Norman Bates

New Yorker Thomas Parkin, 49, has been charged with fraud after repeatedly dressing up as his dead mother so he could collect more than $145,000 in welfare benefits, prosecutors said. Parkin "ran a multi-year campaign of fraud that was unparalleled in its scope and brazenness" which involved regularly dressing in drag to impersonate the late Irene Prusik. When arrested, Parkin was wearing a red cardigan, lipstick and manicured nails and reportedly told police: "I held my mother when she was dying and breathed in her last breath, so I am my mother."

MeMe wants school to can the candy for her mini MeMes

A mother in New York has begun a campaign to ban sweets in her children's classroom because it promotes an environment where junk food is acceptable. MeMe Roth wants the school to print permission slips for giving out birthday cake, and her campaign is gaining momentum on national TV.

Boy scout gets a taste of his own

Four people have been arrested at a boy-scout camp in Florida for forcing a 12-year-old boy to drink urine after he shouted a racist slur at a black camper. The boy was then accosted by three minors and a 21-year-old volunteer.

Root-vegetable revolutionary

Che Guevara's granddaughter Lydia poses for animal-rights group Peta, naked but for a Che-esque beret and a bullet sling packed with carrots.